When Brentwood/Santa Monica-based Maurice Kaehler isn’t managing raw dairy sales at the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, or informing the public about the virtues of raw milk with his raw dairy consumer group, California Real Milk Association (CReMA) – he does what he does best – he teaches yoga.
“I consider myself more of a verb, artifact and lodestar than a teacher,†Kaehler says good-naturedly. Kaehler laughs and jokes quite a bit. A gentle, giving spirit embodies this 20-year yoga practitioner whose clients have included Madonna, Tim Daly and Keith Addis.
Kaehler’s an extremely knowledgeable, gracious man who is more than happy to chat with anyone interested in learning about yoga. But he wasn’t always a teacher. In fact, there was a time when he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life.
When Kaehler was about to turn 30 he began to think about his strengths. “The clearest and most obvious answer was yoga,†says Kaehler. When teaching opportunities began to roll in immediately, he knew he had made the right choice.
Attracted to Kaehler’s classes for their “healing, replenishment and access,†students find inspiration and permission to be themselves and to be comfortable in their own bodies. “Inspire is from the Latin “inspirare,†which means “to breathe.â€
“Begin with the breath. The rest will follow,†muses Kaehler, “Just like when we were born.†For Kaehler, yoga represents the joy of collaboration, “with Universe.â€
During the holiday season, when the materialism of the season tends to throw our lives out of balance Kaehler recommends “not to try to balance anything. Stay open. Nature and Universe are already in equilibrium. We’re a part of Universe, not interlopers on the scene.â€
When questioned about new trends in the yoga movement, Kaehler states, “Yoga is not ‘a movement’, yoga ‘is movement.’ Yoga is not a noun. It’s a verb. Movement is an important fundamental to mental, spiritual, emotional and physical health.
As the number of people who practice yoga continues to grow, Kaehler hopes “They will use the practice to keep their heads straight, emotions fluid, body healthy and spirits strong in the midst of future change.â€
Kaehler has taught for years at various studios in Brentwood. Beginning in 2009 he will open “Swami O’Bryan’s Yoga Studio.â€
In the meantime, for one of his Brentwood classes, call (310) 349-7044 or email: info@omworks.com
Photos: ©Maya Myers
